Dictionaryscragviolent killing
verb

scrag

To handle someone with rough violence.

The gang corners the witness and scrags him in the alley.

Etymology

Scrag has slang uses involving the neck and rough handling. The violent verb evokes gripping or assaulting a person, though its exact development is uncertain.

More examples

  • Two guards scragged the prisoner before dragging him outside.
  • Stop scragging him; he has already given you the money.
  • He threatens to scrag anyone who talks to the police.

Forms

scrag · scrags · scragged · scragging

Similar words

manhandle
Emphasizes forceful grabbing or moving rather than injuring someone.
assault
Names a physical attack without specifying rough handling.
maul
Suggests a particularly brutal attack that causes serious injuries.